David Lloyd Leisure fined £2.5m following toddler's death

The successful prosecution, taken by Leeds City Council, followed an investigation by the council’s environmental health team into the tragic death of a three-year-old boy as a result of drowning, at the David Lloyd Leisure Club, Moortown, Leeds.

During the investigation health and safety inspectors for the council identified inadequate lifeguarding arrangements at the club over a number of years leading up to the tragic event.

The investigation found that David Lloyds Leisure had been exposing club members to risks contrary to Section 33(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, between September 1, 2015, and April 22 2018 in the David Lloyd Leisure Club.

Leeds City Council environmental health service are responsible for regulating health & safety standards across a wide range of commercial sectors including retail, wholesale distribution, hotels and catering, offices, and leisure industries.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said “I would like to begin by offering the councils sincere condolences to the  the Wright family, this tragic story underlines the importance for employers and duty holders to ensure that the safety of their employees and customers is a priority.

“I would also like to thank the council’s environmental health and legal teams, and the barristers from St Paul’s Chambers for their dedication and hard work to ensure David Lloyd Leisure Limited were held accountable for their failings.

“The council will always look to work with and support businesses to meet their legal duties, however we won’t hesitate to take enforcement action in cases of serious and prolonged noncompliance."